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The sun rises again: UNRWA students show solidarity with tsunami-hit Japan

21 July 2011

21 July 2011
Amman

More than 100 children from UNRWA schools participated in an art workshop on 26 June at Amman New Camp Preparatory Girls’ School, to express their support for the people of Japan in the wake of the devastating tsunamis.

Assisted by volunteers from the Japanese development agency, JICA, the students drew pictures expressing their thoughts and hopes. “Japan supports us, but all we can give them as people without a lot of money is our moral support,” said ten-year-old Hani Naser from Nazal school.

Art from the heart

Inspired by the workshop theme “the sun rises again”, the children drew pictures on a range of themes expressing a passion for nature as well as human themes such as solidarity and love.

Others portrayed solidarity between the two peoples depicting the Palestinian and Japanese flags alongside each other. “Today, I drew pictures about Japan to encourage its people to endure their suffering,” said 12-year-old Reem Al-Hadad.

“Japan supports the Palestinian people as well as UNRWA. Why should we not support them now? They deserve more and more,” said 16-year-old Nidal Saied.

One image depicted Palestinian national dress and the kimono, suggesting friendship, unity, care and love. “Japan is a great nation. They are strong and determined enough to overcome their plight,” said Batool Ibrahim from Nazal school.

A token of empathy

A workshop was also held on 22 June in Baqa’a Elementary Co-Education School, which was built by UNRWA with Japanese funding. Some 70 students participated in this workshop.

The art works from the two workshops will go with the UNRWA Commissioner-General Mr Filippo Grandi to Japan on an official visit to Tokyo planned for later in the year.

“I look forward to delivering these images from Palestine refugee children to the people of Japan,” said Grandi. “There is genuine thanks and solidarity, a real bond between the two people.”